🗞️ Preview: Port Vale vs. Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers head down to the Potteries aiming to continue their fine form which has seen them remain unbeaten in their past ten matches, picking up eight wins and two draws.

Pre-Match Quotes: 

Ian Evatt: “We just want to win the game, it's a simple as that. Yes we do remember what happened in December, but that isn't going to define our season.

“What will define our season is how we finish these next 12 games because we've given ourselves an opportunity. We didn't have that opportunity then.

"In terms of how a season plays out I'd much rather be in the form we've got now with the squad I've got available now than going the first couple of months unbeaten.

"It means more. It's more important, there's more on it. Trophies are given out in May and not September, October, November. We just have to maintain our focus, keep our hard work, keep being humble, respect everybody and Port Vale will be a challenging and difficult game, no doubt. But we have to make sure we keep hitting those standards that we're starting to set for ourselves."

How to Watch:

Wanderers’ supporters can watch the game against Port Vale by purchasing an iFollow BWFC video match pass for just £10 you don’t have to miss a kick.

An iFollow BWFC video match pass will ensure supporters do not miss a minute of the action, with the entire match streamed through any compatible laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device in the United Kingdom.

Team News:

With the exception of long-term absentees, Dennis Politic and Liam Edwards, Ian Evatt will have a full squad to choose from as Bolton Wanderers aim to continue their momentum.

Niggles sustained during Tuesday’s victory against Cambridge United have settled down, leaving the Wanderers manager with plenty of options ahead of the trip to Vale.

Bookies Odds:

Port Vale win: 21/20

Draw: 9/4

Bolton Wanderers win: 6/5

Correct as of 12/3/2021 (10am) on skybet.com

Form:

Wanderers are currently at the summit of the Sky Bet League Two form table over the last ten games.

Eight wins and two draws during that sequence have seen them pick up 26 points from a possible 30.

Conversely, Saturday opponents have won only one game, a 5-1 victory against Southend United, over their past ten encounters.

Their recent goalless draw against Oldham Athletic brought to an end a run of three consecutive defeats.

Last time out:

Vale ran out 6-3 winners at the University of Bolton Stadium back in December when these two sides last met.

The visitors raced into a two-goal lead inside nine minutes before Gethin Jones reduced the arrears after 11 minutes.

Tom Conlon’s penalty just before the break restored Vale’s two-goal advantage.

Further goals from Cristian Montano, David Worrall, and Nathan Smith saw Vale go 6-1 up just after the hour mark.

Wanderers netted two further consolation goals from Eoin Doyle and Lloyd Isgrove to cap off a crazy contest.

Match Officials:

Referee: Craig Hicks.

Assistant Referees: Mark Cunliffe and Hristo Karaivanov.

Fourth Official: Ollie Williams.